Rangers still the most valuable franchise in NHL, Forbes says

TORONTO — The New York Rangers are the National Hockey League’s most valuable franchise for a fourth consecutive year, according to the latest estimate by Forbes.

The Rangers top the annual list of franchise valuations at US$1.55 billion, up three per cent over last year. The Toronto Maple Leafs are second at $1.35 billion and Montreal Canadiens third at $1.3 billion, a four per cent increase for both clubs.

Original Six clubs make up the top five of the list, with the Chicago Blackhawks fourth at $1.05 billion and the Boston Bruins fifth at $925 million. The Detroit Red Wings are not far behind their Original Six cousins in eighth ($775 million).

Los Angeles (sixth, $810 million), Philadelphia (seventh,

$800 million), Vancouver (ninth, $735 million) and Washington (10th, $725 million) round out the top 10. The Capitals enjoyed a league-best 16 per cent boost in valuation over last year thanks to its first Stanley Cup title.

The Vegas Golden Knights had a 15 per cent boost in value to

$575 million, good for 12th in the league, after becoming the first expansion team to advance to the Cup final.

At the bottom are the Florida Panthers (30th, $295 million) and Arizona Coyotes (31st,

$290 million). The clubs were the only two to lose value, down three per cent each. The Canadian teams are rounded out by Edmonton (13th, $540 million), Calgary (20th, $450 million), Ottawa (23rd, $435 million) and Winnipeg (27th, $415 million). The Jets’ value jumped

11 per cent thanks to a run to the Western Conference final.